WW2 P32 fighter found after 65 years
For 65 years, this Second World War fighter had lain hidden under the surface of a beach where it crash-landed.
The downed WW2 fighter P-38 found on a popular beach 65 years after being lost.
Just a short distance above it, holidaying families have built sandcastles, strolled and swum, all unaware of its existence.
But now the P-38 Lightning has re-emerged after freak weather conditions caused the sands to shift and expose its rusting frame.
The U.S. aircraft - with its distinctive "twinboom" design - was discovered on the North Wales coast, but the location is being kept secret in case it is targeted by looters.
Its remains were spotted by a family in July, but it was thought to be an unmanned drone used for aerial target practice from the 1950s.
However, a local aviation enthusiast recognised it from a newspaper photo and contacted a group of U.S. aircraft historians.
The Lightning has been identified using its serial number and other records. It was built in 1941 and reached Britain in 1942 before flying combat missions along the Dutch-Belgian coast.
Much more on the site.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/...
By netchicken:
posted on 15-11-2007 The downed WW2 fighter P-38 found on a popular beach 65 years after being lost.
Just a short distance above it, holidaying families have built sandcastles, strolled and swum, all unaware of its existence.
But now the P-38 Lightning has re-emerged after freak weather conditions caused the sands to shift and expose its rusting frame.
The U.S. aircraft - with its distinctive "twinboom" design - was discovered on the North Wales coast, but the location is being kept secret in case it is targeted by looters.
Its remains were spotted by a family in July, but it was thought to be an unmanned drone used for aerial target practice from the 1950s.
However, a local aviation enthusiast recognised it from a newspaper photo and contacted a group of U.S. aircraft historians.
The Lightning has been identified using its serial number and other records. It was built in 1941 and reached Britain in 1942 before flying combat missions along the Dutch-Belgian coast.
Much more on the site.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/...